Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia is the learning disability that impacts writing. It can include poor spelling skills, poor handwriting and difficulty putting thoughts on paper. Writing requires both motor and information processing skills. Early detection can help students to learn the correct motor skills and thinking skills to improve written communication skills.
Some signs of dysgraphia may include:
- Awkward pencil grip
- Illegible handwriting
- Talking out loud while writing
- Omitting words in sentences
- Being able to express themselves orally but having a difficult time putting thoughts on paper
- Feeling tired after completing writing assignments
- Omitting or getting grammar wrong in writing assignments
Writing disabilities impact a person throughout their life. Written communication is an important part of school, from early education through college. Many careers also require the ability to write properly. Therefore, it is important to find strategies to help students to develop writing skills and to succeed in school.
Some strategies that help include:
- Using oral testing methods rather than written or modifying tests or assignments to maximize knowledge learned and decrease weaknesses
- Providing extra assistance on handwriting skills
- Providing tutoring for writing skills
- Allowing either print or cursive, whichever is easier and more comfortable
- Allowing extra time for writing assignments or allowing students to bring assignments home to complete them
- Use electronic spell checkers
When working with children (or adults) with dysgraphia, allow them to complete a rough draft of any required written work and allow someone to review it for spelling and grammar errors before completing the final draft.
Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders
Auditory and visual processing disorders are very common learning disabilities. Most information we receive is either visual or verbal. People with auditory and visual processing disorders have a difficulty processing this information.
Visual Processing
An individual with visual processing disorder may have difficulty with perception of spatial relationships. This can interfere with spacing words when writing, distinguishing similar letters, such ad “b” and “d” and direction in reading and math problems.
